Trialling new methods for assessing rare fish populations

The Adjungbilly Creek in the Upper Riverina Highlands is home to one of 4 remaining populations of the endangered Macquarie Perch. Over the past 10 years with the help of DPI Fisheries and Charles Sturt University we have been monitoring the population of 'Maccas' using electrofishing and fyke net methods.

There are of course disadvantages in these methods with the percentage of fish captured influenced by factors such as the size of the fish, conductivity and flow rates.

Recently we trialled a fairly cost effective method of spotlighting. With the help from traditional owners from the Brungle Tumut Local Aboriginal Land Council, 2 sites on the Adjungbilly were surveyed. A total of 6 Maccas were identified including young of year.

Latest news and events

October 22, 2025

Operation Platypus

In pursuit of Platypus! We've been eDNA sampling along the Billabong Creek in the Upper Billabong Project Target Area, looking for the presence of Platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) in the system.

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October 17, 2025

Hollows as Homes: Tumut

Join Riverina Local Land Services and Landcare for a hands-on workshop and explore the intriguing world of tree hollows and their importance to wildlife.

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October 9, 2025

Woomargama National Park Wildflower Walk

We have some fantastic events coming up for the Upper Billabong Refreshing Rivers BioBlitz! These are all free events and everyone is welcome!

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The Refreshing Rivers Program is a collaboration between government, industry, research, and community organisations, led by Local Land Services. This Program has been assisted by the New South Wales Government through its Environmental Trust.

The Refreshing Rivers Program works on Country that always was and always will be Aboriginal land. We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land and waters, and we pay respect to Elders past, present and emerging.

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